Halloween will be
safer for children across Indiana thanks to an annual statewide initiative
to closely monitor sex offenders and keep them off community streets during
the youth-oriented holiday

For the 11th year
the Indiana Department of Correction’s Parole Services Division will be
participating in Operation Safe Halloween, as parole staff work with local
law enforcement, probation, and community corrections agencies within the
community to ensure full compliance and accountability.

On Wednesday, Oct.
31, paroled sex offenders in each of the state’s ten parole districts must
adhere to a special curfew and other restrictions during each community’s
scheduled trick-or-treat hours. Sex offenders will be required to attend a
mandatory meeting, turn in safety plans for the evening, or remain at home
and not pass out candy.

As in previous
years, sex offenders who remain at their approved residence have been
advised to turn off their outside lights during the evening hours, refrain
from displaying Halloween decorations, and some will post signs that they
are not participating in passing out candy. All sex offenders will also be
subject to unannounced home visits and compliance checks.

“Our parole staff
will be diligent in keeping our communities safe,” DOC Commissioner Rob
Carter said. “For events such as this, it is important that law enforcement
agencies work together to promote public safety. Operation Safe Halloween
allows our parole agents to more effectively monitor sex offenders and give
parents in our community some peace of mind on what should be a fun family
holiday.”